A member of the Warrensburg Fire Department is set to retire one month from Monday. Fire Chief Phil Johnston says he is excited about the change. Johnston said in an interview that he still planned to do some sort of work. He has been chief to five different departments during his career.

Johnston also noted that he was lucky to have had a successful career. He said he dreamed of being a firefighter since he was a small child.

Johnston’s retirement was announced on April 1st, it will become official at 5 p.m. on July 30. Johnston chose the date because it is also his wife’s birthday. The two plan to move to Houston, Texas to be closer to their daughter.

Johnston has been with the Warrensburg Fire Department since 2004. He has worked as a firefighter for 49 years.